Lack of bail accommodation 'extremely desperate situation' says advocate

Government-run hostel full with 'no vacancies' expected for 'next few weeks'

A Manx advocate has described a lack of bail accommodation on the Isle of Man as a ‘desperate’ situation.

Concerns have been raised at Douglas Courthouse after claims the government run hostel is full and will remain so for the ‘next few weeks’.

Tromode House provides a ‘semi-secure and supportive environment’ for people on court bail, offenders awaiting sentencing and those released from prison on licence.

It only has capacity for 11 people at one time.

'No Vacancies'

At this week’s sittings of the Summary Court advocates highlighted difficulties with getting their clients released from the Isle of Man Prison and bailed to it.

On Tuesday (9 April) the Deputy High Bailiff was told there was no capacity to bail a man there who was being held in custody and who didn't have a suitable alternative address.

Today (11 April) during a bail application for another defendant, who can’t return to his own property, an advocate told Magistrates his client could end up spending an ‘excessive’ amount of time on remand.

This, he said, would not be proportionate to the eventual sentence the man will receive for the offence he has committed.

After deliberations Magistrates agreed to bail the man to his friend’s property despite the police opposing the application.

A probation officer told the court: “There is no current availability within Tromode House. There are no vacancies.”

The man’s advocate told the court it was a ‘desperately sad situation’ for the Isle of Man that the bail hostel was full, there is no homeless shelter and no other suitable accommodation for custody leavers.

“It is an extremely desperate situation in terms of accommodation.” (Manx Advocate)

'Constant Demand'

Manx Radio invited the Department of Home Affairs to respond.

It said: "Priority is given to those recently released from prison or out on licence.

“Due to its relatively small size the hostel normally runs near capacity and spaces are offered after a comprehensive assessment of individual circumstances.

“Accommodation is initially offered for 12-weeks however, on occasion, some people do stay for longer as the department does all it can to prevent people being left with nowhere to go.

"However due to the difficulties in the rental market and limited availability of social housing there is a constant strain on the availability of ‘move on accommodation.’

“Since it opened there has been a constant demand for places which the department manages, on a daily basis, as residents move on. 

“The department is not aware of any particular additional pressure at this time and continues to work closely with Manx Care and DHSC to ensure, as far as possible, that vulnerable members of our community have a roof over their head.”

Previous

Between October 2022 and May 2023 the hostel had an average occupancy rate of 86.07 per cent. 

Last year the Island's now retired, High Bailiff described a lack of accommodation for vulnerable people leaving custody as a ‘very sad indictment for the Isle of Man’.

You can find out more HERE.